081-0003

Buffalo Forge

Rockbridge (County)

VLR Listing Date

2004-03-17

NRHP Listing Date

2004-05-26

NHL Listing Date

NA

NRHP Reference Number

4000551

Buffalo Forge was a regional center of antebellum iron production using slaves to labor at the forge and the associated plantation. William Weaver owned the ironworks from the 1820s until his death in 1863; Weaver’s nephew-in-law, Daniel C. E. Brady, and subsequent Brady heirs operated it thereafter. From the 1830s until the end of the Civil War, from 40 to 100 slaves (and as many as 64 hired slaves) worked in iron manufacturing and agricultural production annually. The industrial and agricultural records of management and slave-labor production and life survive. So do the Weaver-Brady residence, several slave dwellings, and agricultural buildings. Archaeological sites include the forge, sawmill, gristmill, stables, dairy, corncrib, blacksmith shop, coppersmith shop, post office, slave quarters, barns, carriage house, and a covered bridge over Buffalo Creek.

Last Updated: June 2, 2023

Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

Photo credit: Calder Loth/DHR, 2003

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